Raila Using BBI to Groom Son

ODM Party leader (Right) and his son Junior Odinga in Meru on Saturday, February 29, 2020.
ODM Party leader Raila Odinga (Right) and his son Junior in Meru on Saturday, February 29, 2020.
Twitter

In the heated campaigns for the Building Bridges Initiative report, ODM Party leader Raila Odinga has been followed by his son Raila Odinga Junior.

Though new to the political arena, Junior shares his opinions on the state of the nation, sometimes getting into loggerheads with other leaders and his social media followers.

With the first BBI rally in Kisii County on January 10, 2020, Junior remained vibrant on social media supporting his father, whose relationship with President Uhuru Kenyatta many now call a brotherhood.

Raila Junior and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos in Mombasa on January 25, 2020.
Raila Junior and Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos at Mombasa county offices on January 25, 2020.
Twitter

The same followed as the BBI wave moved to Kakamega County’s Bukhungu Stadium on January 18, 2020, with Junior exhibiting the same energy with unrivalled support for the report.

He proceeded to actively participate at the BBI rally in Mombasa County on January 25, where he ensured his presence was felt posting numerous photos with different leaders before the start of the highly politicised meeting.

Raila would even be seen in a video that later went viral singing for Junior and his family before leaving for the meeting.

“The Coastal people have spoken in clear support of the BBI recommendations and also presented their own views freely,” wrote Junior on Twitter.

The same followed in Narok County where Raila went together with Junior a day before the rally, participating in the pre-BBI meeting that was attended by delegates and key leaders in the region.

“The good people of Narok County are now free to express their views, opinions, and feelings about the BBI report without interference from factions,” wrote Junior on Twitter.

In Meru County on Saturday, February 29, Junior’s presence was also noticeable, where he even hanged out with Kieni MP Kanini Kega at his home rally.

The heir apparent has not only accompanied the AU envoy to local visits but also to high-level international meetings.

In May 2019, Junior accompanied Raila on a West African visit where he had a chance to meet Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou.

Junior also met Ghanaian President Nana Akufo Addo during the visit before meeting legendary footballer Samuel Eto'o in Cameroon.

Junior also took part in the ODM campaigns in Kibra constituencies in November 2019 after the death of former MP Ken Okoth.

Raila Junior with Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou in May 2019.
Raila Junior with Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou in May 2019.
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